NTF responds to outbreak of H1N1 in turkeys in Chile

Biosecurity procedures should limit the possibility of transfer from an infected human to flocks.

Following the recent diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza in two flocks of breeding turkeys in Chile, the National Turkey Federation has issued a series of talking points relating to avian influenza. Available from the NTF, the summary can be requested via e-mail to srosenblatt @tukeyfed.org.

Items which are common to turkeys, broilers and egg products are:

•The novel 2009 H1N1 virus is a human disease with only one case of transmission from humans to hogs in Canada and the recently discovered turkey flocks in Chile, despite the extensive dissemination of the virus among humans worldwide.

•Novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has never been diagnosed in any poultry flock in the U.S. despite extensive surveillance implemented this year.

•Intensive poultry production systems protect flocks from exposure to wild birds which currently are not known to be carriers of this strain.

•Biosecurity procedures should limit the possibility of transfer from an infected human to flocks.

•Influenza viruses specific to poultry are not known to be spread in meat products or eggs derived from infected poultry flocks.